David Williamson: Carwyn Jones' 'historic opportunity to paint a vision of Britain'

First Minister Carwyn Jones this week asked for tools that could turn Wales into a country with unique speed limits, its own adoption process, different rules on alcohol, responsibility for policing and control of its own water and energy resources.

First Minister Carwyn Jones this week asked for tools that could turn Wales into a country with unique speed limits, its own adoption process, different rules on alcohol, responsibility for policing and control of its own water and energy resources.

The Welsh Government’s submission to the Silk Commission demonstrates just how deeply comfortable Labour in Wales now is with the idea of self-government and – to use the i-word – independence within the United Kingdom.

Its press release stated “matters affecting Wales should be decided in Wales”.

The party is not on a mission to gain the devolution of income tax, social security or nuclear power. But nationalists will dream of a day when a Welsh Government argues these are also matters affecting us that should be decided in Wales.

Mr Jones is no separatist and displays a clear sense of personal mission when he speaks of his desire to find “a long-term constitutional settlement for Wales”.

He seems unruffled by the prospect of a fully federal UK where financial resources are pooled to combat inequality but decisions are made at the lowest possible level.

If Labour is committed to such a version of unionism it must avoid creating the impression that the only reason Wales remains in the UK is that we cannot afford to go it alone – like partners who cannot afford to split up, live apart and pay their own bills.

If Wales does escape its position at the bottom end of economic league tables and is one day able to meet its own costs, then Plaid Cymru may find – as the SNP has done in Scotland – that independence is a prospect people are prepared to take seriously.

However, the Welsh Government’s push for greater autonomy is not necessarily a lurch down a separatist slope.

Developments in devolution in England are less eye-catching than the Scottish move towards independence, but the “city deals” struck between the UK Government and English cities involve major transfers of responsibility.

It is possible that in the near future many English cities may have greater control over welfare to work programmes than the Welsh Government.

Once-mighty industrial cities in England that once roared with civic pride resent the dominance of the City and lament the decline of manufacturing with the same passion as a Celtic nationalist.

A model of a reformed UK is required and this could come from Wales.

In sharp contrast with Scottish Labour, Welsh Labour has prospered under devolution. The first minister is the most senior Labour figure in Government in the UK and enjoys a security rare in British politics; he a historic opportunity to paint a vision for Britain.

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